Study on the Performance of Bamboo Fibre Modified with Different Concentrations of Sodium Hydroxide and Chlorine Containing Agents

Abstract

In this study, the bamboo fibre bundles (CAN retted fibre bundles) have been treated with sodium hydroxide at different processing conditions, in combination with potassium hydroxide and chlorine containing agent sodium chlorite solution. The purpose of this study was to develop efficient method for the extraction/loosening of bamboo fibres for further textile applications, therefore, lignin content, tensile strength, weight loss, moisture content, whiteness and yellowness indices were measured. Lignin content analysis of the extracted fibre bundles showed that there was a remarkable reduction in lignin content after these treatments. Scanning electronic microscopy of the treated bamboo fibre bundles showed removal of short elementary fibres from their surfaces in appropriate amount which further improved their overall physical properties of treated bamboo fibres.